The Riders play host to the Toronto Argonauts at Mosaic Stadium on Saturday. There was some talk on Friday about how quickly the season has rolled by and it feels that way. It seems like just yesterday I was headed to the U of R for training camp. Where has the time gone?

Darian Durant was asked about the speed of season after Friday’s walkthrough at Mosaic Stadium. He said it felt like that fastest season since he’s been in the league. He pointed out that there have some ups and downs, which I think slowed the season down quite a bit. But the end of the regular season is on the horizon. So here are the highlights and some observations from Friday’s pre-game festivities.

– Loads of talk about the weather, which I don’t think will be nearly as bad as it was this week. It’s supposed to be about minus-3 with light winds, so the wind chill won’t be too bad. The Riders prepared for the weather by practising outdoors, The Argos conducted their preparations in balmy southern Ontario. Is it an advantage? “Ask me Sunday,’’ head coach Corey Chamblin said.

– The Argos didn’t pipe in any noise during their practices to simulate the conditions at Mosaic Stadium. They did work on silent counts, etc., during practice and feel that should be enough. It looks like the Rider Nation could play a role on Saturday if they can pump up the volume.

– The Riders made four roster moves on Friday: Linebacker Abraham Kromah and defensive tackle David Veikune have been added to the 46-man roster. Offensive lineman Johan Asiata is off and as is defensive tackle Robert Rose. Rose was actually released on Thursday, so Friday’s move is catching up with the paper work.

– Kromah completed his stint on the nine-game injured list last week with a leg injury, so the Riders had to account for him or place him on the injured list. He won’t play Saturday, but could play next week against the B.C. Lions and in the playoffs. Kromah was leading the Riders with 36 defensive tackles after six games before being injured.

– Xavier Fulton returns at left tackle after a one-game absence. The Riders need him because he’s been among their most consistent offensive linemen. The Riders said he hasn’t allowed a sack this season, so that’s an indication of how good he has been.

– Mick Williams’ returns to the starting roster at defensive tackle. Williams has been missed while recovering from a knee injury. Chamblin feels no other defensive tackle gets off the ball quicker than Williams. He’s also pretty good against the run and helps out with the pass rush.

– There was a funny moment during Friday’s interviews. The media scrums have been indoors this week due to the weather and it was a welcome break.Of Friday, it was decided that Darian Durant would address the media from behind a table in the Green and White lounge. That treatment is usually limited to coaches on pre-game days and as Durant reminded us “retiring players.’’ That produced a good laugh on a cold day.

– The Riders and Argonauts will both have a heater on the bench during Saturday’s game. I asked Chamblin if that was his choice and he said it was. I wondered if really wanted to take advantage of the conditions he could have declined to have heaters on either sidelines. Chamblin has played up the weather advantage, but doesn’t want the players to freeze to death. Durant said the heaters basically help keep their fingers and toes warm. Sorry, no such luxury for the fans in the stands. I know it will be cozy in the press box.

– We have the usual LP press on for Saturday’s game. I delve deeply into slotback Weston Dressler’s season and have reactions from current and former players to what he has accomplished. I also talk to Ricky Ray from going from a hotbed of football in Edmonton to Toronto. There is a difference, you know.

– We’ve all moved on from last Saturday’s game against the Alouettes, haven’t we? If not, here’s a great story by Herb Zurkowsky of the Montreal Gazette on Shea Emry’s thoughts after he was fined for punching Brendon LaBatte in the groin. There is no defence for what Emry did, but he does sound somewhat contrite.

– That’s it. I tweeted a bit today from the walkthrough but quit when my thumbs got too cold. That shouldn’t be an issue tomorrow in the press box so remember to follow me on Twitter.

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